The climate of Stockholm
Stockholm, the capital city of
Sweden, enjoys a humid continental climate without a dry season, categorized as Dfb according to the Köppen climate classification. Nestled on the eastern coast of Sweden, this city's climate is characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year, with warm summers and freezing winters.
Annual temperatures in Stockholm fluctuate from -5.3°C (22.5°F) in the coldest months to 21.9°C (71.4°F) in the warmest. A closer look at the meteorological data reveals that the highest average temperatures register in
July at 21.9°C (71.4°F), followed closely by
June and
August, reaching highs of 20.7°C (69.3°F) and 20.4°C (68.7°F) respectively. In contrast, the cooler months of
January and
February record average lows of -5°C (23°F) and -5.3°C (22.5°F).
The patterns of yearly rainfall and number of rainy days in Stockholm consist of moderate to precipitous levels. Starting from 27mm (1.06") in February to a peak of 65mm (2.56") in July, the city experiences its highest rainfall during the summer months. The number of rainy days also sees an increment from 6 days a month during
April and
May, to 10 days a month from
November through January.
Furthermore, Stockholm presents considerable shifts in daylight hours and sunshine throughout the year. During the summer solstice, daylight can stretch up to 18.5 hours, descending sharply to a minimum of 6.2 hours during the winter solstice. Correspondingly, the city receives the most sunshine, about 9.7 hours in June, and the least, merely 1.1 hours in
December.
The best time to visit Stockholm
Ideal visiting conditions in
Stockholm prevail from
June to
August. During this period, temperatures ascend, reaching a comfortable range from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F). Combining these pleasant temperatures with the peak daylight hours ranging from 17 to 18.5 hours and abundant sunlight of up to 9.7 hours, summer offers tourists ample time to explore Stockholm's charming archipelago and vibrant city life.
Additionally, the sea temperature rises significantly from 7.5°C (45.5°F) in
May to 18.8°C (65.8°F) in August, encouraging water-based activities and beach visits. Nevertheless, the visitation during the peak of summer should anticipate higher than average rainfall, with
July noted for the year's highest rainfall of 65mm (2.56") over nine days.
The worst time to visit Stockholm
For those less resistant to cold, the period of
December to
February could be a challenging time to visit
Stockholm. During this period, average temperatures tumble to a range from -5.3°C (22.5°F) to -0.6°C (30.9°F), accompanied by reduced daylight hours, reaching as low as 6.2 hours during December. Limited sunshine, a scant 1.1 hours in December, further contributes to the stark winter days. Additionally, the sea temperatures drop to a cold 1°C (33.8°F) - 1.9°C (35.4°F), hindering any maritime activities.
Spring weather in Stockholm
The onset of spring in
Stockholm is accompanied by a gradual upturn in temperatures. From
March to
May, average high temperatures rise from 3°C (37.4°F) to 15.7°C (60.3°F), while lows increase from -2.7°C (27.1°F) to 6.3°C (43.3°F). Rainfall levels remain relatively constant, showing a slight increase from 29mm (1.14") in March to 32mm (1.26") in May. The daylight hours substantially elongate from 11.9 hours in March to 17 hours in May. Correspondingly, hours of sunshine increase from 4.4 hours to 8.9 hours per day.
Summer weather in Stockholm
From
June to
August, summer progresses to warm temperatures, with highs nudging 21.9°C (71.4°F) in
July and lows resting around 13.4°C (56.1°F). However, it is also a period of highest rainfall, peaking at 65mm (2.56") in July. Despite the increased rainfall, the city enjoys the most prolonged daylight hours, peaking at 18.5 hours in June, accompanied by the highest sunshine duration of 9.7 hours.
Autumn weather in Stockholm
During autumn, from
September to
November, temperatures in
Stockholm take a downward trend with highs declining from 15.1°C (59.2°F) to 4.5°C (40.1°F) and lows descending from 9°C (48.2°F) to 0.7°C (33.3°F). Rainfall remains high during this period, fluctuating between 47mm (1.85") to 52mm (2.05"). Daylight hours decrease sharply from 12.8 hours in September to 7.7 hours in November, with corresponding reductions in sunshine hours from 5.1 to 1.8.
Winter weather in Stockholm
Winter in
Stockholm is dominantly cold with temperatures in
December to
February sinking to lows from -3.2°C (26.2°F) to -5.3°C (22.5°F) and highs dictating the freezing point from -0.7°C (30.7°F) to 1.1°C (34°F). Rainfall averages on the higher side between 39mm (1.54") to 45mm (1.77") and the city experiences most rainy days ranging to 10 days a month. The number of daylight and sunshine hours reduces significantly with merely 6.2 hours of daylight and 1.1 hours of sunshine in December.
In conclusion, Stockholm's climate experiences remarkable seasonal variations, leaning from warm, lively summers to strikingly cold, stark winters.
Weather in January
Throughout
January,
Stockholm's weather conditions typically herald the true start of winter. The city experiences its coldest month of the year, with temperatures sinking as low as -5.3°C (22.5°F) and only venturing up to a chilly -0.7°C (30.7°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
With the progression into
February,
Stockholm remains firmly within the grip of winter although a marginal increase in temperatures can be noticed as the month proceeds. However, it is the additional daylight, with an average of 9.3 hours that truly marks the transition from
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Stockholm gracefully transitions from the harsh winter into the blossoming spring. It is a month of noticeable change with a significant rise in temperatures, both in the day and at night, particularly contrasting to
February's lower temperatures.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April welcomes the heart of spring in
Stockholm. Most notably, there's a major leap in daytime temperatures, which can go as high as 8.6°C (47.5°F), signalling a departure from the cooler first quarter of the year. In synchrony, the daylight extends to an impressive 14.5 hours, allowing for longer outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Stockholm encapsulates the enchantment of late spring with its favourable weather conditions. With a maximum temperature of 15.7°C (60.3°F), the weather becomes noticeably warmer, enhancing the experience of outdoor events and nature trips.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June stands out as the month with the longest day, typifying the start of summer in
Stockholm. Along with extended daylight hours of up to 18.5 hours, temperatures gently rise, touching a comforting 20.7°C (69.3°F) during the day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the apex of summer in
Stockholm, with maximum temperatures reaching a pleasant 21.9°C (71.4°F). Additionally, the sea temperature rises to its peak, reaching 17.9°C (64.2°F), making it an ideal time for seaside activities and yacht tours down the Stockholm Archipelago.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Stockholm brings a slow transition from the summer warmth to gradually cooler temperatures. The rise in rainfall is coupled with a slight decline in temperatures, hinting towards the upcoming autumn. Outdoor activities continue to thrive, but with a mix of warm and wet weather conditions.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Arriving at
September,
Stockholm welcomes the pleasant shades of autumn. Milder temperatures down to 15.1°C (59.2°F) provide the perfect setting to experience the city's parks and gardens painted in vivid autumnal hues. Daylight, although reduced to 12.8 hours, remains ample for various urban activities and sightseeing tours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in the heart of autumn in
Stockholm, characterized by dropping temperatures and shorter days. The mellow daylight of 10.2 hours creates an atmosphere of ephemeral sunshine and shadow play, adding to the picturesque charm of the city in autumn.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Stockholm moves further into the chilly embrace of approaching winter, marked by decreasing temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The UV Index drops to zero, reinforcing the onset of colder days. As the crisp, autumn air gives way to a cooler climate, the city prepares for the impending winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Stockholm fully adopts its winter coat, with temperatures dropping to the chilling lows of -3.2°C (26.2°F). The dwindling daylight hours of 6.2 accompany the arrival of the winter solstice, making it the darkest month of the year.
Weather in December »